Tagged: access point names

OK, that was a long title. I love my 2013 Moto X. In a world of huge phones, the Moto X is small (4.7 inches) and does the job right. That is, except when it’s on Republic Wireless, a service I want to love (great phone, great deal, similar to Google Project Fi’s $40 a month for 2 GB, unless you use less, and then you get money back).

The problem is that no matter which texting app you use (stock Messaging app, Google Messenger, Google Hangouts), you can’t easily send or receive photos or other MMS messages. Every couple weeks or so over the last year, there’s a problem.

But I think I have the solution. Here it is if you’re using Google Messenger:

1. Uninstall the latest version of the Republic Wireless App.
Go to Play Store, Apps, and search for Republic Wireless. Uninstall the app and restart your phone. When you turn it on, version 1.8.4.1268 will automatically be loaded. I’m sure there are benefits to the current version (2.0.6.1985), but for me, I’d rather be able to receive and send MMS messages.

2. On Google Messenger, install a custom access point name.
In Messenger, go to settings, advanced, access point names. Note: You won’t see access point names as an option until you send your first text. On the top, press the + sign. Here is the information that you’ll need:

After you type in this information, be sure to save it by tapping the menu button in the upper right corner and pressing save. Go back to your list of access points, scroll down to the bottom of the list, and make sure yours is activated.

3. Test it out by sending or receiving an MMS.
You might have to quit out of Messenger and run it again. But once it’s working, remember this crazy thing: Every time you quit the app or turn off the phone, your access point will be unactivated. This means that when you go back to Messenger, you will need to reactivate the access point. (Don’t worry: You won’t have to type in the information again.) This is why you shouldn’t close the app unless you’re restarting your phone.

One final tip: If you receive a photo or an MMS that is not automatically downloaded, delete it immediately. Otherwise, weird things will happen.

This is all pretty silly, I know, but until Republic Wireless supports Lollipop on the 2013 Moto X (when is impossible to tell), this is the best solution that I can come up with.